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Trump warns Turkey of sanctions if U.S. pastor not freed

Steps up pressure after Congress moved to block fighter-jet sales

Art Moore, co-author of the best-selling book "See Something, Say Nothing," entered the media world as a PR assistant for the Seattle Mariners and a correspondent covering pro and college sports for Associated Press Radio. He reported for a Chicago-area daily newspaper and was senior news writer for Christianity Today magazine and an editor for Worldwide Newsroom before joining WND shortly after 9/11. He earned a master's degree in communications from Wheaton College.

Now, President Trump is further increasing pressure on Turkey to release the Christian minister, who has been accused of espionage without any evidence, warning in a tweet of sanctions.

“The United States will impose large sanctions on Turkey for their long time detainment of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a great Christian, family man and wonderful human being,” Trump tweeted.

“He is suffering greatly. This innocent man of faith should be released immediately!”

Brunson, 50, who has lived in Turkey since 1993, was arrested in October 2016. He later was charged, despite no evidence, of having links to Fethullah Gülen, the Turkish cleric that Ankara blames for the failed coup attempt in 2016. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for “committing crimes on behalf of terror groups without being a member” and an additional 20 years for “espionage.”

Vice President Mike Pence also called on Turkey to release Brunson.

“Brunson is an innocent man, there is no credible evidence against him,” Pence said

ACLJ said Trump “has played a critical role in securing the freedom of Pastor Andrew.”

“We have worked closely with the president on this matter and are grateful for his efforts. We look forward to the ultimate release of Pastor Andrew.”

A court in Izmir, Turkey has ordered Brunson to remain in custody until an Oct. 12 hearing.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent panel established by Congress, said Wednesday the move to house arrest is “not enough.” The commission recommended that if Turkey does not release Brunson, the Trump administration and Congress “should respond strongly and swiftly with targeted sanctions against the authorities responsible.”

“The Turkish government has deprived this innocent man of his due process rights and liberty for too long, and it must completely release him,” said Kristina Arriaga, USCIRF’s vice chairman.